Buy Local, Shop Taylor

Look around anywhere in the community, and something new is coming to town or reinventing itself. Thanks to a strong economy, news businesses are opening up and old ones are remodeling. Taylor’s “Eureka Way!” corridor is one of the strongest areas of development in Michigan. Auto dealerships have expanded and news businesses have appeared on Telegraph Road. Beaumont Hospital, Taylor, just built a new orthopedic center. Ford Motor Co. has moved into the Van Born Road corridor. Areas of growth have popped up all over, like new flowers in bloom.

But business is only as good as its customer base, which is where the idea of “Shop Taylor” comes into play.

“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world,” wrote Michael H. Shuman, author of the book Going Local. “It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.”

Taylor businesses – especially smaller ones – count on your patronage in order to stay afloat. Every transaction is precious to them. So when deciding where to spend your hard-earned dollars on tonight’s dinner or a gift for a friend, consider the benefits of turning to local and/or independently owned businesses within the City of Taylor.


BIG BOY

Making a positive impact on the local economy

The U.S. Small Business Association and the U.S. Department of Labor list the positive impacts of small, independent business on local economies:

  • Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses such as banks, service providers, and farms.
  • For every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community.
  • Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the community in which they operate than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.
  • Small businesses employ 77 million Americans and accounted for 65 percent of all new jobs over the past 17 years.

In addition to helping build the Taylor economy, there are also notable intangible benefits that come from supporting businesses in your local community.

  • Local businesses are owned and operated by your neighbors. They care about and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future.
  • Local businesses are more accountable to their local communities and donate more money to non-profits.
  • Supporting local businesses is good for the environment because they often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies.

But shopping in Taylor can also benefit more than just the business that you select. It can benefit you, the consumer. We’re talking about getting out from behind your computer screens and actually walking down the street to make purchases. You can also be pleasantly surprised:

  • Personalized Service: A local business owner is going to go the extra mile to make you happy. Local businesses owners care about you and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future
  • One-of-a-Kind Products: Small businesses carry unique products and services that you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Support the Arts: Small businesses often support creativity. Boutiques sell and display art from local artists. These are one of kind pieces you can’t find anywhere else.
  • Good for your Health: Supporting local businesses is good for your health for two reasons. One, it gets you out of the house. Two, when you buy local, you have easy access to fresh food that is chemical and pesticide free.

'Our small business owners are the employers and providers ... '

"When it comes to having a positive, lasting impact on our region, one of the most valuable efforts we can take part in is to shop local,” said Ron Hinrichs, president of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce is located in Taylor. “Our local small business owners are the employers and providers of opportunity for our Downriver region. Studies have shown the tremendous impact shopping local has on a community, including creating local jobs, growing our local economy by keeping our dollars local, and improving quality of life and the overall customer experience.

“But what really stands out to me is the strengthening of local community pride when we shop local. And that is what the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is all about. Bringing people together, uniting to grow and to enhance our Downriver region by supporting our local members and small business owners who drive our regional economy.

Hinrichs added that one study found that local retailers return a total of 52 percent of their revenue to the local economy, compared to just 14 percent for the national chain retailers. Similarly, the local restaurants recirculate an average of 79 percent of their revenue locally, compared to 30 percent for the chain eateries.

Now that you are equipped with some reasons as to why you should support Taylor’s diverse business community and Downriver, we want to be sure you have some action steps on how you can support them.

OLGAS